A Steaming Cup of Love: Waukesha North Grads Get Engaged Downtown

About eight years ago, Abe Camacho and Katie Schmidt had their first date at The Steaming Cup in downtown Waukesha. Looking back, it might be a miracle they are still together.

"It was probably the worst date of all time," Camacho said. "We came here because we liked it and we got a scone. She has this way of eating where she likes to cut off each piece until she gets a perfect piece and saves the perfect piece for last. We were in the middle of a conversation and I just ate it. She had this horrified look on her face.

"I am like, ‘What?’ as I am chewing. She had worked so hard for that piece and I had stolen it from her. This is a first impression, too."

Camacho and Schmidt were in their sophomore and freshman year at Waukesha North High School at the time. And the stolen scone piece wasn't the worst part of the evening. After they left The Steaming Cup, they went to watch a movie – only Camacho was $1.50 short.

"We scrounged for change in my car," said Camacho, laughing.

"That should have been a warning sign too," said a smiling Schmidt.

Camacho's younger sister, Olivia, saved the day. She had left her purse in the car. And in return, she is gaining a new sister-in-law.

"I owe you $1.50," Camacho told his sister.

Camacho surprised Schmidt at The Steaming Cup with a ring and an engagement party. The couple lives in Madison now – Camacho graduated from Waukesha North in 2007 and Schmidt in 2008. Camacho's working at a tuxedo rental business, which his family joked could help during wedding plans, and Schmidt recently graduated from UW-Madison with an elementary education degree.

Schmidt wasn't expecting the shiny ring and family members wearing T-shirts asking "Will you join Team Abe?" Completely surprised, she still said "Yes."

But perhaps it shouldn't have come as a surprise. Camacho also asked her to his high school prom at The Steaming Cup – yet another moment in their life that didn't quite go as very smooth.

"Since then, we have made this our place," said Camacho, looking at his future wife. "I did ask you to prom here – you were NOT happy."

Schmidt wasn't exactly touched by the giant banner asking her to prom. She was annoyed that her friend had "kidnapped" her for the special moment.

"She blindfolded me and it made me car sick," Schmidt said.